The first major new exhibition of 2014 has gone on show at Margate’s Turner Contemporary.

Making Painting: Helen Frankenthaler and JMW Turner showcases works by 20th century American abstract expressionist painter Helen Frankenthaler and 19th-century British artist JMW Turner.

It will feature 12 Turner oils and 21 watercolours, making it the largest collection of his paintings at Turner Contemporary since Turner and the Elements in 2012.

The exhibition also includes 24 paintings from the 1950s to the 1990s by Frankenthaler, whose last public gallery exhibition was at London’s Whitechapel Gallery in 1969.

Making Painting explores the concept that, though separated by 100 years and nearly 4,000 miles, Turner and Frankenthaler share fundamental qualities in their use of paint and colour, form and narrative, and in their understanding of landscape.

Turner Contemporary director Victoria Pomery said: “Helen Frankenthaler is a much overlooked artist despite being an important voice in the development of abstract expressionism.

“The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to see a significant body of her paintings in the UK alongside some great works by JMW Turner.

“This exhibition explores painting more broadly allowing similarities as well as differences to be revealed between both artists’ practice.”

Making Painting: Helen Frankenthaler and JMW Turner will be at Turner Contemporary until Sunday, May 11.

The site is open from 10am to 6pm, Tuesday to Sunday and bank holidays. Admission is free. Call 01843 233000 for further details.